Indianapolis Pike point guard Marquis Teague, one of the top players nationally in the 2011 class, is still considering seven schools and will be ready to end his recruitment in June.

Indiana, once believed to be a distant second in the race for Teague against Louisville, appears to be right in the thick of things.

“Tom Crean’s been calling me ever since he got here, so we’ve got a good relationship,” Teague said at Saturday’s adidas May Classic in Bloomington. “It’s close to home. I like Indiana.”

Besides Indiana and Louisville, Teague is also considering Wake Forest, Cincinnati, Purdue, Ohio State and Kentucky.

“I’ve got it down to my schools that I like and that’s what I’m going to look at,” he said.

Teague hasn’t consulted with his brother, Jeff, who played for Wake Forest and declared for the NBA Draft, about his decision. He’s leaning on his father, Shawn, who played for Rick Pitino at Boston University, for guidance as the decision nears.

‘I haven’t really talked to him (Jeff) about it,” Teague said. “He probably would like me to go to Wake Forest. My dad, he’s the biggest part of it. He’s with me everywhere I go. He talks to colleges most of the time, they call him, so yeah, he’s a big part.”

Although he was spotted wearing an Indiana sweatshirt today in Assembly Hall, Teague insisted it wasn’t a clue that he’s favoring the Hoosiers.

“No, it’s just something somebody gave me,” Teague said when asked about the sweatshirt. “One of my dad’s friends bought it for me, so I just wear it.”

1a. Indiana – keeps saying it is close to home which seems to be important. Speaks highly of Crean, when we thought it was L'Ville, for some reason the decision got delayed til June (Crean?) IU has exposure, PT, and the style of play that is a good fit….

1b. L'Ville – Still close to home, and the Dad/pitino links helps to an extent. However……I truly believe Pitino's instability that hangs over him hurts some, the influx of LN kids may not be that attractive (In indy LN is NOT a fan favorite for a few reasons). The style of play is a plus for them as it fits Teagues style

2. KY – You love to hate him, but Cal can recruit and can offer everything but the close to home that IU can offer, and maybe some more wins. Does Teague want to play on an AAU all star team at KY or carve his own legacy at IU?

3. OSU – Thad Matta doesn't get enough credit for being a TOP 5 recruiter year in and out. Deshaun Thomas also helps their case to Teague.

4. Wake – Being polite to big bro's school, but I don't think they are high on the list.

5. Purdue – Matt Painter has been at Pike alot, it is close to home, but Painters problem was Keady's problem…Indiana. Recruiting against the Cream and Crimson cloud and the national exposure makes it tough. I would not count him out but PU NEVER seems to land the Big time in state recruit…not since Big Dog.

6. Cincy – If he goes to Cincy, I will wear at Purdue Jersey to Midnight Madness at IU! All of you will know who I am and I will need an escort out. There is NO WAY in Hell he goes to Cincy. I can't even justify them on this list.

Diesel

Well, his dad's friend is pretty cool.

CraiginOR

I am a true believer. Kids from Indiana should really think before deciding where to play basketball. A guy like Teague has a future in the NBA, who knows how long his career might last. An NBA career will be over when, for instance, Teague is still a young man. It really is to his advantage to attend IU both from a basketball perspective and a life perspective. Indiana offers a family of players who come back to work out during the off season and it offers a great facility close to home. The IU family of ex players, coaches and even the administration work hard to help athletes get degrees, connect with the IU family. Look at the reunion that was held last year. We are hoosiers just like these Indiana kids coach Crean is recruiting. We know basketball and we love our players. We are close enough to drive to for family and friends and yet the environment of a Big Ten school is like going to a place new and different from home. I hope we can welcome a lot of kids like Teague in the next few years and reestablish IU as the place for basketball, academics and the family of IU for Indiana kids and any others who want to be a part of something special. We have a saying….”it's Indiana”.

Kelin Blab

Surely somewhere in Bloomington there are T-Shirts that say “It's Indiana” I must have one…

because it's Indiana

You know I agree with that!

matt

For the top players in the class of 2012 there is a kid no one is talking about named Dylan Langkabel from Morristown. Do some hw. Kid is at a small school but can light it up. Had over 30pts several times this year.

matt

For the top players in the class of 2012 there is a kid no one is talking about named Dylan Langkabel from Morristown. Do some hw. Kid is at a small school but can light it up. Had over 30pts several times this year.

jgongora86

I agree as well. Nicely put craig.

Kelin Blab

Read in the Indy star Teagues dad said a decision is coming in July or after due to other basketball committments….so we all wait

HoosierOdi

Is there anyone else here besides me that would rather have Irving than Teague?

HoosierOdi

Is there anyone else here besides me that would rather have Irving than Teague?

BobbyDigital

I was just about to mention that…

Mr Teague said its because of the u17 national team and obviously AAU… I just really hope Kentucky has nothing to do with this. The bastards.

Hardwood83

I assume it's going to be Teague OR Irving, right? It would seem neither they nor IU is going to want or need them both in what already looks to be a crowded backcourt for the next few yrs.

I don't think that is necessarily true. Teague is deciding before Irving and IU is in very good shape with Irving. Although he's playing it close the vest, I feel that IU might be the team to beat for Irving. That said, I don't think a Teague commitment has much, if any, effect on Irving. Neither guy would have a problem getting playing time in Bloomington.

matt

Well I would like to have both guards….Irving is a 2010 recruit and Teague is a 2011…So its not like we have to choose between the two. That would be a pretty fast tempo with them at both guard spots.

Hardwood83

I assume it's going to be Teague OR Irving, right? It would seem neither they nor IU is going to want or need them both in what already looks to be a crowded backcourt for the next few yrs.

I don't think that is necessarily true. Teague is deciding before Irving and IU is in very good shape with Irving. Although he's playing it close the vest, I feel that IU might be the team to beat for Irving. That said, I don't think a Teague commitment has much, if any, effect on Irving. Neither guy would have a problem getting playing time in Bloomington.

jeffandsuzieburton

Anyone ever heard of Roo Standeford from Southwestern High School, Shelbyville, Indiana? He's pretty impressive and the second leading scorer in Shelby County. He's led the Spartans to beat Dylan Langkabel and the Morristown Jackets twice this year. I'd like to see him play. Anyone know if he's playing AAU ball this summer?